Zechariah is filled with the spirit when the child John is born and praises the Lord, the God of Israel, because God has come to his people and redeemed them. Zechariah proclaims salvation from enemies and from the hand of all who hate.

Pray now for those who are victims of torture, war, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and civil strife. Consider the conditions that invite tolerance, inclusion, and peace.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest in making peace?

December 8 - Mary & Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-42)

Mary gets ready and hurries to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she enters Zechariah’s home and greets Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

Pray now for those who are victims of domestic and sexualized violence.

Consider the conditions that invite non-violence and the safety and dignity of all persons.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest in the powerless and overpowered?

December 9 - Myrrh (Matthew 2:11)On coming to the house, the Magi see the child with his mother Mary, and they bow down and worship him. Then they open their treasures and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.Myrrh, an embalming oil, was offered as a symbol of death.

Consider the conditions that invite a dignified, meaningful, peaceful, and healthful old age.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest the aged, the aging and the dying and prepare for meaningful living even while facing death?

December 10 - Frankincense(Matthew 2:11)

On coming to the house, the Magi see the child with his mother Mary, and they bow down and worship him. Then they open their treasures and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Frankincense (an incense) was offered as a symbol of as a symbol of deity.

Pray now for infants, children, and teens who face abuse, bullying, street living and the consequences of poverty.

Consider the conditions that invite safety and abundance for the young.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest in every infant, child, and young person ?

December 11 - Gold (Matthew 2:11)

On coming to the house, the Magi see the child with his mother Mary, and they bow down and worship him. Then they open their treasures and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Gold was offered as a symbol of kingship on earth.

Pray now for those who are caught in debt to credit card companies, “upside down” mortgages, payday and predatory lending loans, and those who do not have the banking services or loans they need.

Consider the conditions that invite equal access to banking services and freedom from oppressive debt and usury.What can I do to further God’s love for the financially oppressed and God’s interest in every person’s freedom from oppression?

December 12 - The Magi (Matthew 2:1)

After Jesus is born in Bethlehem , Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and ask, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Pray now for those grappling with the sanctity of life, including the death penalty, abortion, and other reproductive decision-making.

Consider the conditions that invite sacredness of life.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest in all living things?

December 13 - Shepherds ( Luke 2:8)And there are shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appears to them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, and they are terrified. But the angel says to them, “Do not be afraid.I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Pray now for those who deal with mental illness, PTSD , anxiety and depression.

Consider the conditions that invite care, concern, and help for the mentally ill.

What can I do to further God’s love for and interest in every person having what they need for mental health psychological healing?

Each Friday during Advent the meditations for the following week will be available. We'll send reminders!